Emotionally Focused Therapists in Star, ID
![Photo of Kelsi Woodburn, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ae340d9e-5799-47fc-ab88-15a02a80d4b7/2/320x400.jpeg)
Life can be tough all on its own and when you add traumatic experiences the world can feel stacked against you. Maybe you are just struggling with something that you could use some help sorting through. Perhaps you feel distant from your partner and want to improve your relationship. I can help. I work with individuals, couples and families who are experiencing life adjustment struggles, anxiety, depression, ADHD, infidelity, PTSD and other traumas. I want to create a non judgmental space where we can work together to facilitate healing through balance in life, growth in relationships, and improved family dynamics.
Life can be tough all on its own and when you add traumatic experiences the world can feel stacked against you. Maybe you are just struggling with something that you could use some help sorting through. Perhaps you feel distant from your partner and want to improve your relationship. I can help. I work with individuals, couples and families who are experiencing life adjustment struggles, anxiety, depression, ADHD, infidelity, PTSD and other traumas. I want to create a non judgmental space where we can work together to facilitate healing through balance in life, growth in relationships, and improved family dynamics.
![Photo of Brian Lynn Raymond, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/474ea7dd-7bec-4c7a-987c-76d80e78ce9e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hi. My name is Brian Raymond. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Idaho and have been practicing in the Treasure Valley in various therapeutic environments since 2007. I know how helpful it can be to get a feel for someone before making the decision to schedule an appointment with them. Deciding to get started with a new counselor can be nerve wracking for some so I want to do anything I can to ease that anxiety before our first session.
Hi. My name is Brian Raymond. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Idaho and have been practicing in the Treasure Valley in various therapeutic environments since 2007. I know how helpful it can be to get a feel for someone before making the decision to schedule an appointment with them. Deciding to get started with a new counselor can be nerve wracking for some so I want to do anything I can to ease that anxiety before our first session.
![Photo of Deanna Boyadjyan, LCSW, 92356, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0933baff-7574-4055-ba1e-55853d58a060/3/320x400.jpeg)
Deanna Boyadjyan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, 92356
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Star, ID 83669
Deanna Boyadjyan is a board certified licensed clinical social worker. She graduated from University of Southern California with her master of social work and concentration in military and family issues. Her undergraduate is from Cal State University Northridge with a bachelor in public health education. Understanding the human body and mind connection has been a huge passion that began Deanna's journey to her profession in therapy. The ideal client is anyone who wants CHANGE, and is excited to learn more about themselves and willing to make efforts to better themselves. The client is hopefully ready for the work within themselves.
Deanna Boyadjyan is a board certified licensed clinical social worker. She graduated from University of Southern California with her master of social work and concentration in military and family issues. Her undergraduate is from Cal State University Northridge with a bachelor in public health education. Understanding the human body and mind connection has been a huge passion that began Deanna's journey to her profession in therapy. The ideal client is anyone who wants CHANGE, and is excited to learn more about themselves and willing to make efforts to better themselves. The client is hopefully ready for the work within themselves.
![Photo of Rachael Hall - Rachael Hall Counseling, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40038912-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
My approach to therapy is a strong belief in the resiliency of the human spirit. I feel my client is the expert on who he/she is and my role is to facilitate greater learning and growth in a collaborative way through the therapeutic relationship. I have almost 20 years in the field and utilize various modalities to assist my client in his/her journey toward growth and healing. I work with individuals--children, teens, and adults--struggling with life adjustments, family issues, past trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorders. I have experience working with First Responders.
My approach to therapy is a strong belief in the resiliency of the human spirit. I feel my client is the expert on who he/she is and my role is to facilitate greater learning and growth in a collaborative way through the therapeutic relationship. I have almost 20 years in the field and utilize various modalities to assist my client in his/her journey toward growth and healing. I work with individuals--children, teens, and adults--struggling with life adjustments, family issues, past trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorders. I have experience working with First Responders.
![Photo of Tiffany Marie Atalla, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d0a80841-55e6-46b7-99cc-86045f109de1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Tiffany Marie Atalla
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Star, ID 83669
Do you desire to overcome obstacles and reach your goals this season? Let's remove the roadblocks to your happiness. I welcome working together to find the best solutions for unresolved issues, relationship dysfunction and stressors so that you can lead a happier, healthier and more productive life! Often what is needed is an unbiased ear, who will listen without judgment to thoughts, feelings, or fears and work with you to gain healthy insights and create the positive changes you desire. I am committed to providing quality counseling to individuals, couples and families. Today is the day to get unstuck and redefine your life!
Do you desire to overcome obstacles and reach your goals this season? Let's remove the roadblocks to your happiness. I welcome working together to find the best solutions for unresolved issues, relationship dysfunction and stressors so that you can lead a happier, healthier and more productive life! Often what is needed is an unbiased ear, who will listen without judgment to thoughts, feelings, or fears and work with you to gain healthy insights and create the positive changes you desire. I am committed to providing quality counseling to individuals, couples and families. Today is the day to get unstuck and redefine your life!
![Photo of Susan Virginia Pennington, MA, LMFT-S, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/364397ac-041d-45eb-9675-60aad42a280d/1/320x400.jpeg)
I applaud you for making the first step in looking for a therapist. You may be feeling frustrated and thinking that you are out of hope. Are you lonely and isolated in your pain? Let your pain be the messenger; it is informing you to take action. It is time to make a change. While nothing that you are going through is easy, this pain is the catalyst for growth. I am passionate about helping individuals and couples repair, reconnect and rejuvenate their relationships.
I applaud you for making the first step in looking for a therapist. You may be feeling frustrated and thinking that you are out of hope. Are you lonely and isolated in your pain? Let your pain be the messenger; it is informing you to take action. It is time to make a change. While nothing that you are going through is easy, this pain is the catalyst for growth. I am passionate about helping individuals and couples repair, reconnect and rejuvenate their relationships.
![Photo of Mallory Murphy, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6cf53aaf-712d-4518-a862-eeeff3645f49/2/320x400.jpeg)
I work with children, adolescents, adults, and families who are hoping to heal from past experiences, develop greater insight, and strengthen relationships. My approach to therapy is warm, genuine, and relational. I strive to meet my patients right where they are at and offer a variety of treatment approaches to help them succeed. I maintain a depth oriented lens, while my approach to treatment planning commonly incorporates behavioral techniques. I believe this combination promotes quick relief and lasting growth.
I work with children, adolescents, adults, and families who are hoping to heal from past experiences, develop greater insight, and strengthen relationships. My approach to therapy is warm, genuine, and relational. I strive to meet my patients right where they are at and offer a variety of treatment approaches to help them succeed. I maintain a depth oriented lens, while my approach to treatment planning commonly incorporates behavioral techniques. I believe this combination promotes quick relief and lasting growth.
![Photo of Brionne P. Chamberlain, LAMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0adca69f-b857-4156-86bb-c02abd2c5895/5/320x400.jpeg)
Brionne P. Chamberlain
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LAMFT, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Star, ID 83669
I believe relationships have the potential to enhance your capacity to cope with life's challenges, heal from past hurts, & find wellness & satisfaction. When relationships are strained, however, the strain can erode your natural, resilient abilities. I specialize in helping couples, families, & individuals to access inherent healing resources & to work through patterns of behavior & thinking that have them stuck. I collaborate with my clients to develop effective communication & conflict resolution skills, create healthy boundaries, & to experience restorative emotional experiences with their significant others.
I believe relationships have the potential to enhance your capacity to cope with life's challenges, heal from past hurts, & find wellness & satisfaction. When relationships are strained, however, the strain can erode your natural, resilient abilities. I specialize in helping couples, families, & individuals to access inherent healing resources & to work through patterns of behavior & thinking that have them stuck. I collaborate with my clients to develop effective communication & conflict resolution skills, create healthy boundaries, & to experience restorative emotional experiences with their significant others.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Jared L. Bryson, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/06fa6c19-3fc5-4b82-8f70-069434bcb003/3/320x400.jpeg)
Jared L. Bryson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Meridian, ID 83646 (Online Only)
Telehealh ONLY. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in the state of Idaho w/ over 18 years of experience working w/ children, adolescents, adults, couples, & families seeking support with an array of personal and/ or relationship challenges. I have specialized training in Accelerated Resolution Therapy for helping clients resolve trauma. I take a strength-based approach in teaching (DBT) mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional awareness-building, & relationship effectiveness training. I also use cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, & emotionally-focused approaches to help clients find their version of change.
Telehealh ONLY. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in the state of Idaho w/ over 18 years of experience working w/ children, adolescents, adults, couples, & families seeking support with an array of personal and/ or relationship challenges. I have specialized training in Accelerated Resolution Therapy for helping clients resolve trauma. I take a strength-based approach in teaching (DBT) mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional awareness-building, & relationship effectiveness training. I also use cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, & emotionally-focused approaches to help clients find their version of change.
![Photo of Chris J Graham, MS, LPC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d003b43-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Along with my training as a marriage and family counselor, I have completed extensive training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) from the International Center for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT).
My goal is to help you to look at your life from a new perspective and establish different personal responses that may lead to new and more effective solutions. I view my time with you as an opportunity to come alongside you. It is helpful for me to get to know how you think, how you react in times of stress, how your family history influences your life and how social interactions shape the way you view yourself and others. Clients who desire to change, set goals, and work to achieve them have an opportunity for a positive outcome.
Along with my training as a marriage and family counselor, I have completed extensive training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) from the International Center for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT).
My goal is to help you to look at your life from a new perspective and establish different personal responses that may lead to new and more effective solutions. I view my time with you as an opportunity to come alongside you. It is helpful for me to get to know how you think, how you react in times of stress, how your family history influences your life and how social interactions shape the way you view yourself and others. Clients who desire to change, set goals, and work to achieve them have an opportunity for a positive outcome.
![Photo of Bruce Pagano II - Growing Hope Counseling, LCPC, NCC, CCTP, EMDR-T](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/98a3c439-a3ee-463c-9ef4-ee88723ef618/3/320x400.jpeg)
Growing Hope Counseling
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, NCC, CCTP, EMDR-T
Verified Verified
Nampa, ID 83651
I use a variety of trauma-informed, client-focused approaches to help clients meet their individual goals; including Emotionally Focused Therapy, Eye movement desensitization & reprocessing therapy, and Internal Family Systems Therapy.
At Growing Hope Counseling, we believe that the client is the expert of them and that a therapist is a compassionate guide to aid the person on their journey. We desire to see all people find healing and walk in wholeness. We use several client-focused counseling methods to meet individual needs and ensure holistic care. Our hope and purpose is to provide a safe and compassionate environment that ensures the dignity and respect of ALL people.
I use a variety of trauma-informed, client-focused approaches to help clients meet their individual goals; including Emotionally Focused Therapy, Eye movement desensitization & reprocessing therapy, and Internal Family Systems Therapy.
At Growing Hope Counseling, we believe that the client is the expert of them and that a therapist is a compassionate guide to aid the person on their journey. We desire to see all people find healing and walk in wholeness. We use several client-focused counseling methods to meet individual needs and ensure holistic care. Our hope and purpose is to provide a safe and compassionate environment that ensures the dignity and respect of ALL people.
![Photo of Tyler D Cazier, MS, LCPC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/428b6cc7-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
He has furthered his education and training by completing an EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy) Externship and EFT Advanced Core Skills.
Are there times when you feel disconnected, alone, unimportant, and rejected - even in your closest relationships? You seek closeness but it ends in conflict? It seems the harder you try, the more disconnected you feel. Walls go up - you feel hurt and alone. You lose hope for a closer, more secure relationship. Tyler is committed to helping you end this negative cycle. By getting below the surface of behavior, he helps couples bring awareness to the deep, underlying emotional needs within themselves. A new bond is formed, where each partner is able to feel safe, supported, desired, and loved.
He has furthered his education and training by completing an EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy) Externship and EFT Advanced Core Skills.
Are there times when you feel disconnected, alone, unimportant, and rejected - even in your closest relationships? You seek closeness but it ends in conflict? It seems the harder you try, the more disconnected you feel. Walls go up - you feel hurt and alone. You lose hope for a closer, more secure relationship. Tyler is committed to helping you end this negative cycle. By getting below the surface of behavior, he helps couples bring awareness to the deep, underlying emotional needs within themselves. A new bond is formed, where each partner is able to feel safe, supported, desired, and loved.
![Photo of Joleena Abrams, CCTAS, CBTC, CMEMI, CFMTS, MA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e9d711bf-1580-427c-b14b-92e87c60376d/1/320x400.jpeg)
She uses state of the art therapies, based off of the newest research, such as Hypnotherapy, Multichannel Eye Movement Integration (MEMI), EMDR (Bilateral Stimulation), EFT, CBT, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Restoration Therapy techniques and the CSAT model.
Joleena is Certified in the Treatment of Sexual Addiction, is a Certified Betrayal Trauma Coach, a Certified Clinical Trauma and Addiction Specialist, and a Certified Functional Medicine and Trauma Specialist, with a Masters of Psychology in Grief Counseling. She specializes in helping couples working through betrayal and addiction of all kinds. She also works with clients that are struggling with anxiety, addictive behaviors, depression, PTSD, emotional abuse, mental abuse and trauma of various kinds. Her passion is to provide a safe space for her clients and to walk hand-in-hand with them, guiding them through the healing process.
She uses state of the art therapies, based off of the newest research, such as Hypnotherapy, Multichannel Eye Movement Integration (MEMI), EMDR (Bilateral Stimulation), EFT, CBT, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Restoration Therapy techniques and the CSAT model.
Joleena is Certified in the Treatment of Sexual Addiction, is a Certified Betrayal Trauma Coach, a Certified Clinical Trauma and Addiction Specialist, and a Certified Functional Medicine and Trauma Specialist, with a Masters of Psychology in Grief Counseling. She specializes in helping couples working through betrayal and addiction of all kinds. She also works with clients that are struggling with anxiety, addictive behaviors, depression, PTSD, emotional abuse, mental abuse and trauma of various kinds. Her passion is to provide a safe space for her clients and to walk hand-in-hand with them, guiding them through the healing process.
![Photo of Brian Smith, LCPC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a15aa1d2-3706-4461-a262-5fbafcb9e9cf/2/320x400.jpeg)
I work with individuals, couples, and groups who believe personal change is possible and valuable in their lives. I use an emotion focused approach, as put forth in the work of Dr. Les Greenberg, and have received formal training in Dr. Sue Johnson's Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples. I believe that people are agents of their own positive change, and that many are unaware of how emotions relate to their thoughts and behavior. My clinical practice has taught me to respect the experience, worldview, and value system of each individual without imposing my own. I am an LGBTQ+ ally.
I work with individuals, couples, and groups who believe personal change is possible and valuable in their lives. I use an emotion focused approach, as put forth in the work of Dr. Les Greenberg, and have received formal training in Dr. Sue Johnson's Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples. I believe that people are agents of their own positive change, and that many are unaware of how emotions relate to their thoughts and behavior. My clinical practice has taught me to respect the experience, worldview, and value system of each individual without imposing my own. I am an LGBTQ+ ally.
![Photo of Jennifer Browning, MS, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9ae576ce-a44e-4d3a-a68f-e5e342d38db6/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am an EMDR, APSATS, and EFT trained, Counseling Intern working toward completing requirements for a master's degree in Counseling from Hope International University. I work under the supervision of Stephanie Baker at Restoration Counseling. There are three things that I would like you to know today. You are not alone. You are not broken. You are not out of control. This means that there are others out there who have been where you are. There is nothing fundamentally or irreparably wrong with you. You have agency in this world both internally and externally. Change is possible. I'm here to help.
I am an EMDR, APSATS, and EFT trained, Counseling Intern working toward completing requirements for a master's degree in Counseling from Hope International University. I work under the supervision of Stephanie Baker at Restoration Counseling. There are three things that I would like you to know today. You are not alone. You are not broken. You are not out of control. This means that there are others out there who have been where you are. There is nothing fundamentally or irreparably wrong with you. You have agency in this world both internally and externally. Change is possible. I'm here to help.
![Photo of Merridith Manning, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9684f419-1038-40a9-ae52-04e15e896e02/3/320x400.jpeg)
I utilize an attachment based approach along with EFT or emotionally focused therapy to help repair relationships.
Are you looking for a renewal in your life. Maybe in your coping strategies, connection with others or goal setting. Perhaps you need to reconnect with purpose and motivation. Maybe you have not felt like yourself in quite a while and are feeling down and/or anxious. At Impact Counseling our therapists provide community mental health in an empathetic and collaborative environment to help you make the necessary changes to feel like yourself again. Some issues treated include trauma, depression, anxiety, sexual abuse, sexual behavior problems, pornography addiction, mood disorders and more.
I utilize an attachment based approach along with EFT or emotionally focused therapy to help repair relationships.
Are you looking for a renewal in your life. Maybe in your coping strategies, connection with others or goal setting. Perhaps you need to reconnect with purpose and motivation. Maybe you have not felt like yourself in quite a while and are feeling down and/or anxious. At Impact Counseling our therapists provide community mental health in an empathetic and collaborative environment to help you make the necessary changes to feel like yourself again. Some issues treated include trauma, depression, anxiety, sexual abuse, sexual behavior problems, pornography addiction, mood disorders and more.
![Photo of Peter Billings, MS, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2d930095-1714-4e3a-9d88-7c45b2a1153d/2/320x400.jpeg)
I really admire people who come in for counseling. My goal is to help you build on that courage to find your own unique solutions. A lot of the pain we feel as people has to do with the state of our relationships. That's why I specialize in working with couples using Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). This well-researched model helps couples get free of repetitive negative patterns that hurt, and replace them with skills for building a deeply satisfying, trusting connection. I have used EFT to help many couples repair deeply damaged relationships and go on to thrive together.
I really admire people who come in for counseling. My goal is to help you build on that courage to find your own unique solutions. A lot of the pain we feel as people has to do with the state of our relationships. That's why I specialize in working with couples using Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). This well-researched model helps couples get free of repetitive negative patterns that hurt, and replace them with skills for building a deeply satisfying, trusting connection. I have used EFT to help many couples repair deeply damaged relationships and go on to thrive together.
![Photo of Adrienne Patridge, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f649c772-4452-4d81-9797-4d131b782558/2/320x400.jpeg)
Adrienne Patridge
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Meridian, ID 83646
Waitlist for new clients
Great struggle in our most meaningful relationships can quickly become the new normal when we experience adversity. No one is immune to this reality. Relationships are healthy when we as individuals are healthy, and I will work with you to achieve a healthy way of being. I enjoy helping both couples and individuals create stronger connections with those who mean most to them. I specialize in couples treatment by using emotionally focused couples therapy (EFCT) to help couples recognize their cycle, and strengthen their bond.
Great struggle in our most meaningful relationships can quickly become the new normal when we experience adversity. No one is immune to this reality. Relationships are healthy when we as individuals are healthy, and I will work with you to achieve a healthy way of being. I enjoy helping both couples and individuals create stronger connections with those who mean most to them. I specialize in couples treatment by using emotionally focused couples therapy (EFCT) to help couples recognize their cycle, and strengthen their bond.
![Photo of Jessica Del Vecchio, LPC, PMH-C, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ebd1b5c5-5d81-4264-88ba-6930cf645ab9/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jessica Del Vecchio
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Nampa, ID 83651 (Online Only)
My approach integrates humanistic principles, emotionally focused therapy, and trauma-centered psychotherapy, creating a safe space for healing and growth.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges, struggling to find your balance amidst trauma, stress, or the significant changes that come with perinatal mental health? You're not alone. If you're nodding along, you might be looking for genuine empathy and support in a therapeutic environment. That's where I step in. Specializing in perinatal mental health, trauma, and compassion fatigue for birth workers. With over a decade of experience, I offer support tailored to your unique needs.
My approach integrates humanistic principles, emotionally focused therapy, and trauma-centered psychotherapy, creating a safe space for healing and growth.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges, struggling to find your balance amidst trauma, stress, or the significant changes that come with perinatal mental health? You're not alone. If you're nodding along, you might be looking for genuine empathy and support in a therapeutic environment. That's where I step in. Specializing in perinatal mental health, trauma, and compassion fatigue for birth workers. With over a decade of experience, I offer support tailored to your unique needs.
![Photo of Leslie Thomas Szasz - Still Meadow Counseling LLC, LISW-S, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ca199305-2685-4b3b-a009-1d311845b6cf/4/320x400.jpeg)
Still Meadow Counseling LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW-S, LCSW
Verified Verified
Meridian, ID 83642 (Online Only)
If you are dealing with depression, anxiety, PTSD, sexual, physical or emotional abuse, anger management, marital and family conflict, job related stress, I am confident that in a strong therapeutic collaboration with me, your treatment goals will be met. I use a client centered approach with the understanding that for successful therapy the client needs to have active participation in developing treatment goals. I live in Boise, Idaho, where I provide in person and Telehealth sessions. I offer only Telehealth sessions in Ohio. I am certified in EMDR for treating trauma, depresson and OCD. I am also certified in TF-CBT.
If you are dealing with depression, anxiety, PTSD, sexual, physical or emotional abuse, anger management, marital and family conflict, job related stress, I am confident that in a strong therapeutic collaboration with me, your treatment goals will be met. I use a client centered approach with the understanding that for successful therapy the client needs to have active participation in developing treatment goals. I live in Boise, Idaho, where I provide in person and Telehealth sessions. I offer only Telehealth sessions in Ohio. I am certified in EMDR for treating trauma, depresson and OCD. I am also certified in TF-CBT.
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Who is emotionally focused therapy for?
Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is for couples who are emotionally distressed, stuck in an unsatisfying relationship pattern or feeling deeply alienated. They may even believe the relationship is beyond repair. Very often, the partners display intense anger, fear, grief, loss of trust, or a sense of betrayal in the relationship. In addition, EFT is helpful to couples and individuals who have difficulty expressing emotions and those who have trouble regulating emotions.
Why do people need emotionally focused therapy?
People need emotionally focused therapy because the need for others is built into the brain, but the pressures of daily life can erode feelings of love, and couples often do not have the skills to find their way back to the comfort of each other. Instead, they may be stuck in repetitive patterns of anger, fear, grief, loss of trust, or a sense of betrayal. Emotionally focused therapy regards such strong negative feelings as expressions of protest over the loss of connection and turns them into pathways of reconnection.
What happens in emotionally focused therapy?
Over the course of eight to 20 weekly sessions, couples de-escalate their negative emotional reactivity to one another so that they can listen to each other and be responsive to each other’s needs. Then the deep emotional and physical bond is restored, giving partners a sense of comfort and security, which they can use to solve whatever problems come their way. The therapist plays an active role, helping partners understand how anger and withdrawal are actually misguided cries for connection.
What problems does emotionally focused therapy treat?
EFT is designed to help couples stuck in dysfunctional relationship patterns regain closeness and rebuild their relationship. Typically, such couples experience considerable distress, with partners feeling alienated and distrustful of one another, not certain their relationship can survive. EFT is also helpful to individuals experiencing attachment-related fears of loss; it helps them learn to use their fears as a way of eliciting the closeness they desire.